DearParents,

Wewouldliketoextendawarm“welcomeback”toallstudentsandparentswithaspecialgree<ngtonewstudentsandtoourkindergartenstudents.Inaddi<onwewouldliketowelcomenewstaffmembersMs.TobiWaB(Grade7),Ms.TrishaRideout(grade2/3),Ms.JessicaMulock(grade1/2),Ms.MarissaBrennan(Kindergarten),Ms.SarahMcLean(Kindergarten),Ms.AnaVasic(Music),Mr.AlexeiSolomakha(band),Ms.SandraCongdon(Counsellor),Ms.RupinderJohal(LearningSupportTeacher),andMs.DaleRidington(Educa<onAide).

Wearelookingforwardtoseeingparentsofstudentsingrades1-7atourMeettheTeacherEveningonSeptember14from6:30-7:30.

Wehavereviewedarrivalprocedureswithstudentsinclassrooms.Studentsmayentertheschoolasearlyas8:40amforan8:50amstart.Studentswhohavemadeaspecificarrangementwithateacherforamee<ngorhomeworksupport,orstudentswhohaveamusicorathle<cprac<cemayarriveearlier.

Intermediatestudentsonthesecondfloormayenterbyanyoneofthetwoentrances(southstairs,orfrontdoor).Primarystudentsonthesecondfloorenterandexitbythenorthstairs.Studentsonthefirstfloorshouldenterthroughtheirexteriorclassroomdoors.

Thankyouverymuchforsuppor<ngyourchildrenastheytransi<onintoanewschoolyearwithnewteachers,classmates,androu<nes.Thiscanbeachallenging<meforstudentsandparentsasmanagingchangecanbedifficult.Thesupportyouprovideyourchildisverymuchappreciatedbyyourchild’steacher.Youmayfindthefollowingresourcehelpfulasyousupportyourchildthroughthetransi<onfromsummervaca<ontoschool:hBps://www.anxietybc.com/news/anxietybc-provides-12-step-back-school-checklist-parents.

Ifyouhaveanyques<onsregardingyourchild’sclassplacement,theconversa<onshouldstartwithyourchild’steacher.Thefollowinginforma<onwassenthometoparentsintheMaynewsleBer:

“Specialconsidera/onisgiventobuildingthemostsuitableeduca/onalenvironmentforeachstudentwhileconsideringourresources,needsandconstraints.

Finalplacementofstudentsisdiscussedbyateamcomprisedofthestudent’spresentteacher,otherteacherswhohavebeeninvolvedinthestudent’slearning,

possibleteachersforthecomingyearandtheprincipal.Theresul/ngplacementwillhavetakenintoaccountallaspectsofthechild’sdevelopment.Factorssuch

asdiversityinacademicstrengths,uniquelearningneeds,teachingandlearningstyles,workhabits,socialdynamics,personalityandgenderbalanceandSchool-

BasedResourceTeamrecommenda/onsarecarefullyconsidered.Decisionsaremadethatbalancetheneedsoftheindividualswiththoseofthegroup.We

cannothonourrequestsforplacementbasedsolelyonreasonsoffriendship.Ourgoalaseducatorsistoprovideastable,effec/velearningenvironmentforall

students.”

Grade2andGrade7studentsmeetingforBuddyReading.

3150ColwoodDriveNorthVancouver

604-903-3540

ABendance:604.903.3544

e-mail:highlands@sd44.ca

September2017

In this Issue: Virtue of the Month 2

September Calendar 2 Highlands Staff 3 Band & Strings Schedule 4

Student Phone Use 5 School Routines 6 Highlands Code of Conduct 7

AtHighlands,everychildisencouragedto

become an independent, self-mo/vated

studentwith a posi/ve aKtude towards

learningandasenseofresponsibilityand

empathyforothers.

OurVirtuesThemeforSeptemberisResponsibilityWhatisResponsibility?

Beingresponsiblemeansthatotherscandependonyou.Youarewillingtobeaccountableforyourac<ons.Whenthingsgowrongandyoumakeamistake,youtrytomakethingsbeBerinsteadofmakingexcuses.Whenyouareresponsible,youkeepyouragreements.Yougiveyourbesttoanyjob.Responsibilityistheabilitytorespondably.Itisasignofgrowingup.WhyPracticeIt?

Whenyoutakeresponsibilityforyourownac<ons,otherscantrustyou.Whenpeoplearenotresponsible,theybreaktheirpromises,failtodowhattheysaidtheywoulddoandletpeopledown.PeoplewhomakeexcusesinsteadoftryingtomakethingsbeBerkeepmakingthesamemistakes.Whenyouareresponsible,yougetthingsdonewithexcellence.HowDoYouPracticeIt?

Whenyouagreetodosomething,likehomework,watchingayoungerchild,orajobaroundthehouse,youtakeitasyourresponsibility.Youdon’tagreetodothingswhicharetoohard,orthatyoudon’treallyhave<mefor.Whenyoumakeamistake,youdon’tgetdefensive.Youlearnfromitandyoufixit.Youarereadyandwillingtoclearupmisunderstandings.

“Wehavetoaccepttheconsequencesofevery

deed,word,andthoughtthroughoutour

lifetime.”ElisabethKublerRoss

WelcomeMessage(continuedfrompage1)Pleasenotethatcombinedclasseswheretwogradesarecombinedarearealityinmostschoolorganiza/ons.

SomemythsperpetuatedaboutcombinedclassesincludethatitisbePertobeinthelowerratherthanthe

highergradeandthatstudentsinthehighergradearerepea/ngbydoingthelowergrade’scurriculum.You

canrestassuredthatteacherstakeveryseriouslytheirresponsibilitytoensurethatallchildren,meetthe

learningoutcomesfortheirgrade,regardlessofwhethertheyareinastraightorcombinedclass!Pleaseread

theaPachedpamphletwhichgivesadetailedoverviewofcombinedclasses.”

The2017/18schooldistrictcalendarwaspublishedintheMayschoolnewsleBer,andpostedonboththeschoolandschooldistrictwebsites.

The2017/18SchoolCalendarprovidesforacon<nua<onofstaffcollabora<on<meateachNorthVancouverSchoolDistrictschoolonfive(5)occasionsthroughouttheyear.Thesedatesareindicatedontheschooldistrictcalendarwhichcanbefoundhere:hBp://www.sd44.ca/District/DistrictCalendar/Pages/default.aspxStaffcollabora<on<mewillbeaccommodatedbyalatestartatsecondaryschools,andanearlydismissalofstudentsatelementaryschools.ThefirstearlydismissaldateisWednesday,September27.Highlandsstudentswillbedismissedat2:00pmonthisdate.

Thisyearwewillbecon<nuingour"MorningMessage"aspartofourVirtuesini<a<veatHighlands.EachmorningwestartourdaywithamessageaboutourVirtueoftheMonth,awelcometovisi<ngstaff,andanyotherannouncements.TheMorningMessageconcludeswith"Haveagreatday!"

Tohelpsupportourstudentswiththeirlisteningskills,andtomodelrespeclullistening,weaskthatanyvisi<ngadultstotheschoolstopandlistenwhiletheMorningMessageisbeingread.Someofourgrade7studentswillbeaudi<oningfortheroleofMorningMessageReaderandsoyouwillsoonhearstudentsreadingtheMorningMessages.Fornow,Mr.HendersonisreadingtheMorningMessage.

Inclosingweencourageyoutocontactorvisittheschoolifyouhaveanyconcerns,ques<onsoraccolades!Posi<vecommunica<onbetweenhomeandschoolisanessen<alcomponentofourphilosophy,andanopendialoguewillenhanceyourchild’ssuccessatschool.ThroughourwebsiteandnewsleBerswewillendeavourtokeepyouwell–informedofourprogramsandac<vi<eswithintheschool.

Sincerely,

ToddHenderson GeorgePolymenakosPrincipal VicePrincipal

SeptemberCalendar

Sept.12-HPACmeeting-7pmin thelibrarySept.14-MeettheTeacherNight -Grades1-76:30-7:30Sept.27-TerryFoxRun-1:00 StaffCollaborationTime 2:00pmdismissalSept.29-HighlandsProfessionalDay studentsdonotattend

page� 2

SomePrimaryclasseshavestartedtheir“WakeUpWalk”aspartoftheirmorningroutine.

Independence

Earlyintheschoolyearitisimportanttoestablishcertainrou<nes,proceduresandworkhabitstoenablestudentstobesuccessful.Theschoolwelcomesthesupportofparentsinbuildingchildren’sindependence,responsibilityandconfidenceastheybeginthenewschoolyear.Youngerchildrenshouldbeencouragedtoenterandexitthebuildingontheirown,carrytheirownbackpacksandhanguptheirbelongingsintheclassroomindependently.Aschildrenprogressthroughthegrades,theyareexpectedtoassumeincreasinglevelsofresponsibility:recordassignmentsintheirplanners,completehomework,meetdeadlines,arriveon<mepreparedfortheschoolday,and,ofcourse,berolemodelsofourCodeofConduct.Wehopethatparentswillhelpusachievethisgoal,bymonitoringtheirchild’splannerandhomework,encouragingindependenceandensuringthattheirchildarrivesatschoolon<me.

Labelling

StudentBelongings

Everyyearalargedona<onofunclaimed“lostandfound”ar<clesismadetoacharity.Pleaselabelpersonalbooks,allitemsofclothing,P.E.Bagsandmaterials.

TheHighlandsStaffPrincipal Mr.HendersonVice-Principal Mr.Polymenakos Div.1Grade7Ms.WrightDiv.2Grade7 Ms.WaBDiv.3Grade6/7 Ms.HollingsworthDiv.4Grade5/6Mrs.Baker Div.5Grade5/6Mrs.Dimmock Div.6Grade5Mrs.Quee/Mr. PolymenakosDiv.7Grade4/5 Ms.SherlockDIV. 8Grade4 Mrs.MitchellDiv.9Grade3/4Mrs.Jansons/ Mr.Polymenakos Div.10Grade3 Ms.Windibank/ Mrs.Marrie-BlackDiv.11Grade2/3 Ms.RideoutDiv.12Grade2 Mrs.PaBerson/ Ms.ParkerDiv.13Grade2 Mrs.Reeves/ Mrs.Svenhard Div.14Grade1 Ms.MulockDiv.15Grade1 Mrs.PosnikoffDiv.16Grade1Ms.Schatroph Div.17K Ms.BrennanDiv.18K Mrs.HollidayDiv.19K Ms.McLean

MusicTeacher Ms.VasicLibrary Mrs.SuBonLearningSupport Mrs.Oswald-Allen/ Mr.Polymenakos/ Ms.JohalEnglishLanguageLearningMs.McOuatBandTeacherMr.SolomakhaStringsTeacherMr.Kabok

DistrictCounsellorMs.Congdon

DistrictSpeechPathologistMs.Koroluk

DistrictPsychologistMichelleLuedee

Admin.AssistantMrs.HoggOfficeAssistantMs.Crawford

SupervisionAideMs.BrownSupervisionAideMr.Marshall

Educa<onAssistantsMr.Chasse,Mrs.Nordholm,Mrs.Rowlands,Ms.vanHalteren,Ms.Wilson,Ms.Ridington

LearningSupportWorkerMrs.HuBon

Afteronlyoneweekofschool,ourLostandFoundareainthemainhallhasalreadystartedtogrow!Pleaselabelpersonalbooks,allitemsofclothing,P.E.Bagsandmaterials.

Remembertocheckthe

Highlandswebsitefor

uptodatenewsand

calendar:

http://www.sd44.ca/school/

highlands/Pages/default.aspx

page � 3

ThankYou!

ManythankstotheHighlandsKidsClubandvolunteerfamiliesforwateringandharves<ngoursouthgardensandmaintainingourOutdoorLearningSpaceoverthesummer.Itiswonderfultohavecommunitysupportforourgardensthatresultedintheabundanceofsummerproducebeingprovidedtothe“EdibleGardenProject”attheHarvestProjectinNorthVancouver.

StudentPlanners-Grades1-7

Informa<onregardingonlinepaymentforstudentplanners(grades1-7)willbeemailedhomesoon.Pleasedonotsendcashorchequetoyourchild’steacherforpayment.

page � 4

HighlandsBandandStringsPracticeSchedule

Tuesdays Fridays8:00-8:40BeginningBand 10:40-11:20BeginningBand8:40-9:20Con<nuingBand 11:20-12:00Con<nuingBand1:00-1:40Con<nuingStrings 1:00-1:40Con<nuingStrings1:40-2:20BeginningStrings 1:40-2:20BeginningStrings

Registra<onsforStrings&Bandares<llpossible.Welookforwardtoawonderfulyearofmusicmakinginbandandorchestrathisschoolyear!Newstudentsareverywelcome!PleasefollowthislinkhBp://www.sd44.ca/ProgramsServices/BandStrings/Pages/default.aspx.forinforma<on.Pleasecontactasolomakha@sd44.caforques<onsabouttheBandprogram,andskabok@sd44.caforques<onsabouttheStringsprogram.

ThankstoourvolunteerfamiliesandHighlandsKidsClubforkeepingourgardensaliveduringthesummerandformaintainingourOutdoorLearningSpace!

VisitorSignIn

Studentsafetyisofparamountconcernatallschools.Wewouldliketoremindparentsandanyvisitorstotheschooltopleasesigninatthemainofficewhenyouarriveattheschool.Weneedtoknowwhoisintheschoolandonthegroundsatall<mes.Wealsorequestthatparentsandvisitorsnotgoontotheplaygroundduringourrecessandlunchbreaks.Studentswillbesenttotheofficeifneededforparentstoconnectwiththemthere.SupervisionstaffalwaysapproachanyadultwhoisnotastaffmemberandappearsonourgroundsatrecessorlunchaspartofouraBen<ontostudentsafety.Thankyouforyoursupport.

Also,thedropofftableacrossfromtheofficeisfordroppingoffitems(lunches,backpacks,instruments,etc.)thatstudentsmayneedduringtheday.Thepurposeofthetableistoreduceclassroominterrup<onsduringthedayandtodevelopstudentindependenceasstudentspickuptheiritemsfromthedropofftable.

StudentPhoneUse

Studentsmayusetheschoolphonewiththeirteacher’spermissionforanyimportantreason.Theymaynot,however,usethephonetoinformparentsorfriendsofaser-schoolplans.Studentsareaskedtomaketheirsocialarrangementsthenightbefore.

Ifastudentisill,theyneedtocometotheoffice.Theofficestaffwillthencontactthestudent’sparents.

StudentCellPhonesAtHighlands,studentsmaycarryacellphonewiththeirbelongings,onlywiththeexpresswriBenpermissionoftheirparents.Pleasenotethatstudentsmaynotmakeorreceivecallsduringschoolhours.Normaytheyusephonesforplayinggamesortextmessaging.

Allcellphonesmustbeturnedoffbetween8:50amand3:00p.m.

InkeepingwiththeProtec<onofPrivacyAct,nophotosaretobetakenatschoolusingcellphones.Inappropriateuseofcellphonesduringschoolhourswillresultinconfisca<on.StudentswhowishtobringacellphonetoschoolneedtocompletetheHighlandsCellPhoneContractwhichisavailableintherackoutsidetheoffice.Studentsmaymakeorreceivecallsbeforeoraserschoolofftheschoolpremises.Parentswishingtocontacttheirchildrenduetoanemergencymaycalltheschoolofficeat604-903-3540.

AccidentsDoHappen!DidyouknowthattheSchoolDistrictdoesnotinsureexpensesforstudentinjuriesthathappenonschoolgroundsorduringschoolac<vi<es?TheSchoolsProtec<onProgram(SPP)recommendsthatBCschooldistrictsprovideaccidentinsuranceinforma<ontotheirparentcommunity.

KidsPlus™AccidentInsuranceOurschoolboardisofferingyoutheopportunitytovoluntarilypurchasestudentaccidentinsurancethroughtheKidsPlus™AccidentInsuranceprogram,underwriBenbyIndustrialAllianceInsuranceandFinancialServicesInc.

KidsPlus™AccidentInsuranceprovidesprotec<onagainstunexpectedcostsarisingfromaccidentalinjuries.Theprogramisespeciallyvaluableforfamilieswho:

• donothavemedicalordentalplans,• havelimitedplans,asitmayhelpsupplementhealthanddentalbenefits,or• haveac<vechildrenwhoenjoysportsandoutdoorac<vi<es.

KidsPlus™AccidentInsurancehasaselec<onofplanstosuitmostbudgets.Benefitsincludecoveragefor:

• Thefullschoolyear(SeptembertoSeptember),24hoursaday,whileathomeandinschool;• Expensesthatareosenlimitedornotcoveredbyprivateorgroupinsuranceplans,orProvincialHealthInsurancePlans,suchasambulance,physiotherapy,privatetutoring,counselling,andmuchmore;

• Injury-relateddentaltreatment(includingfuturedentaltreatmentuptoage26);• Out-of-provinceorcountryemergencymedicalexpenses.

Ifyouraddresschangesduringtheschoolyear,yourKidsPlus™AccidentInsuranceplanistransferablefromschooltoschool,anywhereinCanada.

Insurancepremiumsforchildrenare$14.50or$33.50peryear,dependingontheplanselected.Adiscountisavailableforfamilieswith3ormorechildren.Adultsage20to64canalsobeinsuredfor$32.00peryear.

Formoreinforma<onortoapplyonline,pleasevisitkidsplus.ca,orspeakwithaKidsPlus™ClientServiceAdministratorat1-800-556-7411.

Electronicsand

ValuablesatSchool

ParentsareremindedthatstudentsingradesK-5shouldrefrainfrombringingpersonalelectronicssuchasiPodsandtabletstoschool.Furthermore,allstudentsareremindedtoleavevaluablepersonalitemssuchasjewellery,money,andtoysathome.Wecannotacceptresponsibilityforlossordamageofsuchitems,andtheiruseatschoolcreatesdifficul<es.

StringsstudentsplanningfortheyearwithMr.Kabok,ourStringsteacher.

page � 5

page � 6

AMessageFromtheSchoolDistrict:Parentsandpicture-taking:areminderaboutfilming,photographyandstudentprivacy

Withalltheexci<ngschoolac<vi<esthatoccurthroughouttheyear,weprovidethisconsidera<onregardingthefilmingandsharingofstudentphotographsandvideotapesofstudentevents.Parentsarewelcometophotographandvideotapeschoolevents.However,thepoten<alpromo<on,exchangeorsharingofstudentimagesraisesprivacyissuesthatareimportanttobeawareof.

Aparentwishingtofilmorphotographstudentsandthenposttheseimagestoawebsite(i.e.YouTube)needstohavecollectedsignedpermissionforthestudents(providedbyparentsorguardiansinthecaseofminors)inthevideobeforepos<ngtheirphotos.Todosowithoutsignedpermissionisaviola<onofstudentprivacy.

Whileanyliabilitywouldliewiththephotographer/videographerinasitua<onlikethis,wefeelit’simportanttoremindallparentstorespecttheprivacyofotherstudentsandtheirfamilies.Whileit’sunderstandablethatmanyfamilieswouldappreciatebeingabletoexchangephotographsorvideotapesofschoolevents,privacyconcernsmusttakeprecedence.

Thankyouforyourunderstanding.

BeforeSchoolRouTnes• Studentsareencouragedtoarriveatschoolbetween8:40and8:45am.Thedoorsareopenedat8:40am.

Studentsshouldnotbeintheschoolbefore8:40unlessunderthedirectsupervisionofateacher.• Studentsridingbikes,scootersorskateboardstoschoolmustwearhelmetsandwalktheirwheeledvehicleonthe

schoolgrounds.Bikesandscootersmustbelockedatthebikeracks.• Studentsandparentsareencouragedtosaygood-byeandmeetaserschooloutsidethebuildingatadesignated

mee<ngspot.Buildingindependenceforstudentsisourgoal.

RecessRouTnes10:20–10:40• Allstudentsgooutsideandareexpectedtodressfortheweatheroftheday• Studentsareencouragedtousethewashroomduringtherecessbreak• Thecomputerroomandlibraryarenotopenduringrecess• Theschoolgroundsaresupervisedbyaidesduringrecessandlunch

LunchRouTnes12:02–12:55• Studentsareencouragedtogohomeforlunchwheneverpossible• Studentsstayingforlunchareexpectedtoremainintheirseatsanddisplayproperbehaviourwhileea<ng• Studentsgooutsideatthe12:20bellunlessan“inside”dayiscalledduetoheavyrain• Studentswhogohomeforlunchmustsignout,uponreturn,studentsmustreportbacktotheofficeandsignin

before12:55pm.• Studentswhostayatschoolforlunchmuststayontheschoolgrounds

AXerSchoolRouTnes• Allstudentsareexpectedtogohomepromptlyaserbeingdismissedfromschool• Studentswhohavebeenaskedtostayaserschoolbyateacherwillbegivenpermissiontousethestudentphone

inordertoinformtheirparents.

HighlandsSchoolCode:Weareresponsibleforouractions.

Wearerespectfulofothers,thisplaceandourselves.

WeexpectHighlandsstudentsto:

• Conductthemselvesinamannerthatposi<velyreflectsourschoolcodebothwhenatschoolandwhenrepresen<ngourschoolinthecommunity(e.g.fieldtrips,sportteams,choir,etc.)

• Usewordstosolveproblems(nothands,feetorbody)• Demonstraterespectandcoopera<ontowardsadultsandpeers• Arriveatschoolon<me,preparedtostarttheschooldayat8:45am• Stayindesignatedschoolareasatrecessorlunchunlesstheyhaveexpresspermissiontoleavethegrounds(studentsmustaskstaff

permissiontoretrieveballsoffschoolgrounds)• Usequietvoicesinsidetheschool• Bepoliteandconsiderateofothers• Beresponsiblefortheirownpossessions• Helpkeeptheirworkspaces,classroomenvironment,andschoolcommonareas(e.g.library,gym,musicroom,computerroom,

playgrounds)cleanandorganized• Movequietlythroughthehallsanddownthestairs,keepingtotheright• Returntotheclassaserbreakspreparedtofocusandwork• Avoidusinganythingthatcouldcausepersonalinjurytoothers(i.e.s<cks,stones,anysharpobject,etc.)• InaccordancewithSchoolDistrict#44Policy#302,studentsareexpectedtomeetthestandardssetoutinSec<ons7and8oftheBC

HumanRightsCodethatincludetheprohibitedgroundsofdiscrimina<on.Thisincludesnotdiscrimina<ngagainstothersbasedonrace,colour,ancestry,placeoforigin,religion,familystatus,physicalormentaldisability,gender,sexualorienta<on,orage.

WeareresponsibleforouracTonsStudentsareexpectedto:• Betruthfulandhonest• Acceptconsequencesforwhattheydo• Beincontroloftheirbodiesandtheirlanguage• Followschoolexpecta<onsandclassroomrules• Playbyestablishedrulesofthegame• Takeac<onwhentheyknowsitua<onsareunjust(speakup,reporttoanadult)

Wearerespec[ulofothersStudentsareexpectedto:• Beempathe<c;considerhowtheirac<onsaffectthefeelingsandsafetyofothers• Playinasafemanner• Avoidpersonal“putdowns”andinappropriatelanguage• Playandworkcoopera<velywithothers• Beinclusiveofothers• Acceptdifferencesinothers• Useothers’personalpropertyonlywithpermissionandwithcare• Encourageothersandwelcometheirideas• Showapprecia<onofothers’efforts• Acceptsuccesswithgrace• Showgoodsportsmanship

Wearerespec[ulofthisplaceStudentsareexpectedto:• Careforschoolproperty• Useequipmentappropriately• Cleanupgarbageandrecycle• Keepwashroomareas<dy• Putmaterialsandequipmentaway• Avoidtakingfoodintothelibrary,computerlaborgymnasium

Wearerespec[ulofourselvesStudentsareexpectedto:

• Par<cipateinallac<vi<eswithopennessandaposi<vea|tude• Produceworktheycanbeproudof• Worktothebestoftheirabili<es• Trytosolveproblemsindependently• Beposi<velyasser<veandtakeini<a<ve• Askforhelpwhentheyneedit• Learnfromtheirsuccessesandfromtheirmistakes• Keepthemselvessafeanddry

REMINDER:CONSENTFORMSAREOFFICIALLYONLINE–PLEASEFILLOUTDearParent/GuardianOnAugust29,2017fourparentconsentformswentonlineviaSchoolCashOnline.Thefollowingformsarenowavailableonline:

- PersonalInformationConsent- ImpromptuWalkingFieldTripInformedConsent- NoticeofOutsideMediainSchools- StudentAcceptableUseofTechnologyAgreement

ThedeadlineforcompletingtheseformsisSeptember21,2017.

• Allotherformsarestillinpaperformandyouwillhavealreadyreceivedthesefromourschool.Thesepaperformsmustbefilledoutandreturnedtotheschool.

• ParentsarerequiredtohaveaSchoolCashOnlineaccounttoaccesstheforms.Ifyou

stillneedtosetupanaccountvisit:https://sd44.schoolcashonline.com/.Signing-upforanaccountisquickandeasy.Detailedinstructionsareavailablehere:http://www.sd44.ca/District/SchoolCashOnline/Documents/SchoolCashOnlineStepByStepRegistration.pdf

• Toregisteryouwillneedyourchild’sNorthVancouverSchoolDistrictstudentnumber.

Pleasecontactusathighlands@sd44.caifyouneedassistance.

• Pleasenotethatyouhavetouseyourchild’sfulllegallastnamewhenregistering.

• Ifyouarecompletingtheformsformorethanonechild,pleasecheckthenameonthetopleftcorneroftheformtoensureyouarecompletingitforthecorrectstudent.

Wethankallparentsinadvanceforsupportingournewsystem,whichhelpsalleviatethestacksofpapertofillinatthebeginningoftheschoolyear.Shouldyouhaveanyfurtherquestionspleasefeelfreetocontactusathighlands@sd44.ca.Sincerely,ToddHendersonPrincipal

How are students selected for a

‘combined class’ placement?

Many factors are considered when selecting

students for a combined class, including: social

and emotional skills, work habits, friendships,

leadership skills, self-motivation, learning

styles, and academics. These characteristics

are considered so as to create balanced

classes throughout the school.

Are there benefits to a ‘combined class’?

Studies (1) have shown that there are many

socio-emotional benefits for students in

combined classes, including greater leadership

skills, increased self-esteem, and more positive

peer interactions. Studies assessing students’

academic achievement indicate that there are

no significant differences between single grade

and combined grade classrooms.

(1) Naylor, C. (2000, January). Split-Grade and Multi-Age Classes:

A Review of the Research and a Consideration of the B.C.

Context. BCTF Research Report

Will a student miss or repeat

curriculum material?

In today’s classrooms, the emphasis has

shifted from learning and memorizing facts

to the development of skills, concepts,

processes and attitudes. With the rapid

changes in science and technology in our

society, it is essential that students learn

how to evaluate ideas and make judgments,

transfer and apply knowledge, understand

processes, and access information.

Teachers of combined classes challenge all

students, often incorporating learning

outcomes from both grades into holistic,

theme-based units of study.

How can parents support their

children in a combined class?

Regardless of their child’s class placement,

parents are encouraged to stay positive and

interested in their child’s schoolwork and

activities, monitoring homework and staying

in close communication with the teacher.

An Introduction to Combined Classes

What is a ‘combined class’?

Grades are used to group children according to

their chronological age. Such organization

stems from the belief that patterns of

development are tightly bound to a child’s age.

However, in reality all classrooms – whether

single-grade or combined – include students

with a range of developmental levels.

Why do we use the term ‘Combined’?

Combined grade classrooms have many

names including split grades, multi-age, family

grouping, etc. The term ‘split grade’ sometimes

conjures-up negative images of a classroom

where the teacher ‘splits’ his or her time and

attention between two distinct groups. The

term ‘combined class’ reflects a more holistic

approach to learning that emphasizes whole

group instruction, as well as opportunities for

flexible groupings to meet students’ learning

styles and needs.

Highlands Elementary School 2017/2018 School Calendar

Sept. 5 - School Opens – Students in attendance 8:50am – 10:50am Sept. 6 - First Full Day of school 8:50 am – 3:00 pm (warning bell 8:45am) Sept 14 – Meet the Teacher (Grades 1-7) 6:30 pm-7:30 pm Sept. 27 – Terry Fox Run 1:00 pm/Staff Collaboration – Dismissal at 2:00pm Sept. 29 – Highlands Professional Day (classes not in session) Oct. 9 - Thanksgiving Day (schools closed) Oct. 13 - Student Photos Oct. 20 - Province-Wide Professional Development Day (classes not in session) Nov. 6 – Curriculum Implementation Day (classes not in session) Nov. 13 - Remembrance Day Holiday (schools closed) Nov. 15 – Student Photo Retakes Nov. 29 - Staff Collaboration – Dismissal at 2:00pm Dec. 22 - Last day of classes before Winter Vacation- 3:00 dismissal Jan. 8 - Schools reopen after Winter Vacation Jan. 19 – New Curriculum Training Day (classes not in session) Jan. 31 - Staff Collaboration – Dismissal at 2:00pm Feb. 12 – Family Day (classes not in session) Feb. 19-22 – Grade 6’s to Outdoor School Feb. 23-District-wide non-instructional day Feb. 28 - Staff Collaboration – Dismissal at 2:00pm March 7-9 – Gr 4 Outdoor School Mar. 16 - Last day of classes before Spring Break Mar. 19-30 – Spring Vacation April 2 – Easter Monday (classes not in session) April 3 - Schools reopen after Spring Break April 20 –Highlands Professional Day (classes not in session) April 30 - May 1 – Grade 3’s to Outdoor School May 7 – District Professional Day (classes not in session) May 21 – Victoria Day (classes not in session) June 28 – Last Day for Highlands students (3:00 dismissal) June 29 - Administration Day (classes not in session) School Hours for Highlands 8:45 Warning Bell 8:50 Instructional Day Begins 10:20 Recess 10:40 Instructional Period Begins 12:02 Lunch 12:55 Warning Bell 1:00 Instructional Period Begins 3:00 Dismissal

What%does%a%waste+free%lunch%look%like?%

A%Typical%Lunch%(DISPOSABLE)!

• sandwiches*sealed*in*plastic*bags*

• fruits*and*vegetables*in*plastic*bags*

• prepackaged*chips,*cookies,*fruit*bars,*granola*bars,*cheeses,*and*fruit*leathers*

• prepackaged*yogurts,*apple*sauces,*and*puddings*

• crackers,*pretzels,*chips,*and*other*snack*foods*sealed*in*plastic*bags*

• disposable*juice*boxes,*juice*pouches,*soda*cans,*water*bottles,*and*milk*cartons*

• plastic*forks*and*spoons*• paper*napkins*• reusable*lunchboxes*and*

disposable*paper*and*plastic*bags

A%Waste+Free%Lunch%(REUSABLE)!

• sandwiches*and*other*main*dishes,*fresh*fruit,*fresh*vegetables,*and*treats*in*a*reusable*lunch*container*

• cloth*napkins*• stainless<steel*forks*and*

spoons*• reusable*drink*containers*• reusable*lunchboxes*

*With*this*type*of*lunch,*lunch*food*items*can*be*bought*in*larger*quantities.*The*packaging*can*be*left*at*home*for*reuse*or*recycling.*Waste<free*lunches*are*not*only*a*wise*environmental*choice,*but*they*are*less*expensive*as*well.

****From*http://www.wastefreelunches.org/**

WALK OR BIKE TO SCHOOLStudies show that walking and biking to school increases physical activity, improves childrens’ alertness, in-class performance and school attendance. It also helps children become more street-wise. Plus it’s fun!

DROP OFF STUDENTS SEVERAL BLOCKS FROM SCHOOL Walking the last few blocks will ease congestion near the school and even several blocks of physical exercise isbetter than no exercise at all!

GET INVOLVED :KHUH�WKHUH�DUH�SDUHQW�OHG�WUDɝF�VDIHW\�LQIRUPDWLRQ�campaigns and parents involved in TravelSmart® programs, North Vancouver families report higher satisfaction about pedestrian and cycling conditions*. So check with your school administration to see how you might be able to assist RU�LQLWLDWH�ZDONLQJ�SURJUDPV��VDIHW\�LQLWLDWLYHV�RU�ȴQG�RWKHU�VROXWLRQV�PRUH�VSHFLȴF�WR�\RXU�VFKRRO���

CARPOOL OR WALKPOOL WITH FRIENDS OR NEIGHBOURSEnjoy a bit of social time to get ready for a day at school and share responsibility for driving.

safe & active school zones3LFN�XS�DQG�GURS�R�SHULRGV�DURXQG�VFKRROV�DUH�EXV\�WLPHV��ZLWK�IDPLOLHV�DQG�FKLOGUHQ�

walking, biking, scootering, driving, and taking transit to get to and from school.

YOU CAN HELP BY FOLLOWING THESE TIPS TO CREATE MORE ENJOYABLE AND SAFER SCHOOL ZONES

CONSIDER ALTERNATIVESTo improve safety and reduce congestion around schools, consider these alternatives to GULYLQJ�DQG�GURSSLQJ�R�\RXU�FKLOGUHQ�ULJKW�DW�WKH�VFKRRO�GRRU�

* From the Fall 2013 School Travel Survey, a partnership of North Vancouver City, North Vancouver District and North Vancouver School District. Check out the summary report available on the City and District municipal websites.

BE ON THE LOOKOUTIf you are a driver, be alert and expect school zones to be busy where travel is likely to be slow. Be aware of drivers who may be less safety-conscious around schools.

• Obey the posted school zone speed limit. It’s better that a child is late for class than to let speeding be the cause of an unfortunate accident or a speeding ticket.

ȏ�:KHQHYHU�SRVVLEOH��PDNH�DUUDQJHPHQWV�WR�KDYH�\RXU�FKLOGUHQ�EH�GURSSHG�R�and picked up near the school, instead of directly in front of the school where space is limited.

• Unless authorized, do not park or stop in the area designated for disabled persons. The two minutes you choose to stop there could be the same two minutes that spot is needed.

• While not illegal, turning around in a driveway (or backing onto a roadway for any reason) is ill-advised and potentially dangerous for pedestrians and other vehicles. Consider taking a couple of extra minutes and drive around the block instead.

• When you do locate a legal parking/stopping spot, pull your vehicle fully toward WKH�FXUE��ZLWKLQ����FP�RU����LQFKHV���VR�WKDW�WKURXJK�WUDɝF�FDQ�SDVV�\RX�VDIHO\�

Thank you for your attention and cooperation in keeping our children healthy and safe!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT THESE CITY AND DISTRICT WEBSITES:cnv.org/SASTP

dnv.org/schoolroutes

westvancouver.ca/schoolsafety

MORE SAFETY TIPS FROM THE LOCAL POLICE

RCMP West Vancouver Police